In trucking, a pound saved is a penny earned. That seems to be the operating philosophy at The Holland Group, which has started production on a new cast steel fifth wheel that’s up to 16-per-cent lighter than competitive products.

The FW17 is made using a new casting and heat-treating process developed at Holland’s foundry. Product engineers shaved weight by reducing the rib and wall thickness yet developed a top plate design that’s strong and flexible enough to accommodate shifting loads and a vertical load of 50,000 pounds.

While the FW17 itself is tough, the lever-arm release mechanism and adjustment system require far less muscle to operate. Holland says this has the benefit of reducing the likelihood of on-the-job injuries.

The FW17 is recommended for up to 95,000 pounds GCW in five-axle on-highway applications. It fits on all current Holland mounts so it incorporates the same on-highway sliding and stationary mounting flexibility as other Holland models and can be spec’d as a complete fifth wheel and mounting assembly or as a top plate replacement for other Holland in-service wheels.

The FW17 comes with a 500,000-mile warranty.

Contact www.thehollandgroupinc.com for details, or call 519/537-3494.